VSO Hosts Food Drive Until May 3

VALDOSTA -- The Valdosta Symphony Orchestra (VSO) has joined
"Orchestras Feeding America" -- a nationwide effort to address the
fight against hunger in America -- by hosting food drives in
coordination with its 20th anniversary season's final performance
in May.

Inspired by the 2009 film, "The Soloist," starting Jamie Foxx and
Robert Downey Jr., the League of American Orchestras, Feeding
America and Participant Media have challenged groups from coast to
coast to take a stand against hunger by collecting non-perishables
for local food assistance agencies and food banks. Last year, more
than 250 orchestras representing all 50 states participated in the
event, collecting over 200,000 pounds of food for local
communities.

The VSO has partnered with Second Harvest of South Georgia and the
Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts to host a drive from
April 26-May 3. Bring non-perishable food items to collection
sites, which include the lobby of VSU's Fine Arts Building, the
main desk on the second floor of VSU's Student Union and the lobby
of the Turner Center, 527 N. Patterson St.

The group's first drive with the OFA was held in March. VSO
Conductor Howard Hsu spearheaded the local effort because he feels
passionate about helping the community through service.

"Projects such as this food drive are another example of the
important role orchestras can play within their communities," said
Hsu, who was hired in January 2009 as director of Orchestral
Studies. "Especially during hard economic times when people are
struggling, the VSO has the ability to help people and make our
city an even better place to live."

The VSU will also release the final of five posters and program
covers created for a contest in celebration of the orchestra's 20th
anniversary season. The work of Richard Estes will be revealed at
the final show on May 1.

These limited edition posters are on sale for $40 each and signed
by the artist and conductor. All proceeds go toward music
scholarships for students playing the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.
Posters can be purchased from College of Arts Outreach office,
229-333-2150; Classic Art and Frame Company, 229-244-1143 on
Baytree Road; or at the Turner Center on Patterson Street.

MAY 1. Subscription Concert No. 4. “Musical Colors.” The entire VSO
is featured in works by the masters of the orchestra: the
world-changing Wagner, the innovative and unpredictable Berlioz,
and uncompromising yet lyrical Brahms. A season-closing orchestral
tour-de-force by the VSO. Wagner’s “Tannhauser Overture,” Berlioz’s
“Hungarian March,” Brahms’ Second Symphony.
Featured artist: Richard Estes

TICKETS
Symphony tickets ($20) may be purchased by calling the Department
of Music at 229-333-5804